Rajasthan Pushes for Stricter Laws to Combat Fake Fertilisers and Seeds

In a bid to tackle the pressing issue of counterfeit agricultural inputs, Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister, Kirodi Lal Meena, has taken significant steps to address the menace of fake fertilisers and substandard seeds. Engaging in discussions with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Meena highlighted seizures made by the state department, emphasizing the need for stricter legislation.

Minister Meena detailed the efforts made during a recent state program that led to the confiscation of fake fertilisers, substandard seeds, pesticides, and even a plant manufacturing counterfeit biodiesel. The minister expressed urgency for a robust legal framework, with Chouhan assuring that legislative measures are underway to bring stringent laws to Parliament.

Union Minister Chouhan, in a proactive move, has penned a letter urging Chief Ministers of all states to initiate statewide campaigns against fraudulent and substandard agricultural inputs. He underscored the critical need to safeguard India's agricultural backbone by ensuring the availability of quality fertilisers, thus reinforcing the call for stringent legal actions against offenders under current and forthcoming statutes.

(With inputs from agencies.)